Hillcrest Fire Company, Inc.

🚒 Hillcrest Fire Company Proudly Participated in Chenango Valley Community Night! 🚒

Last evening, members of Hillcrest Fire Company were proud to attend Chenango Valley Community Night at the Middle School, joining numerous local organizations, community groups, and service agencies in celebrating everything that makes our community great.

In addition to meeting residents and sharing information about our department, we were excited to bring two of our fire apparatus for the public to explore. The trucks were a big hit with children and adults alike, giving visitors an up-close look at the equipment our volunteers use to protect the community every day.

Events like this are a great opportunity to connect with our neighbors, answer questions about the fire service, and discuss the many ways people can get involved. Whether it’s becoming a firefighter, assisting with community events, or supporting the department in other ways, there is a place for everyone at Hillcrest Fire Company.

We would like to thank the Chenango Valley Central School District for hosting another successful Community Night and everyone who stopped by to visit with us.

🚒 Interested in joining our team? Stop by any Tuesday evening or send us a message to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Hillcrest Runs Deep.

🚒 Hillcrest Fire Company – Tuesday Member Spotlight 🚒

Right here in Hillcrest, we take pride in showing up for our neighbors, backing each other up, and answering the call—day or night.

Every Tuesday, we highlight one of the members who makes this department more than just a fire company—it’s a family.

Because around here, Hillcrest runs deep.

👇 This week’s spotlight 👇

👤 Name:
April Rauscher

⏳ Years of Service:
27 years with Hillcrest Fire Company
46 total years in the fire service

📍 Hometown:
Kirkwood (Five Mile Point)

🚒 Rank / Position:
Firefighter, Membership Treasurer

🏫 Occupation (outside the fire service):
Food Service Helper, Chenango Forks High School

🔥 Why did you join the fire company?
My dad was a member of Five Mile Point Fire Company, and I was always with him growing up. When I was 16 years old, I was asked if I wanted to become a firefighter, and I jumped at the opportunity. I wanted to help people in the community, especially on what may be one of the worst days of their lives.

🤝 What’s your favorite part about being a firefighter?
Spending time with my dad, helping other people, and learning new things. The fire service has given me opportunities to grow, serve others, and build lifelong memories.

🎓 What training or certifications are you most proud of?
I have earned many certifications over the years, but the one that stands out most is my Firefighting Essentials certification in 1984. It was my first fire service certification, and I learned so much from that class. It may have been my first certificate, but it certainly wasn't my last.

🎣 Hobbies / Interests (What do you do when you're not running calls?)
I am involved with the Chenango Valley Athletic Booster Club, Hillcrest Civic Association, and the South Central Fire Police Association. I also enjoy scrapbooking with my daughter, Keely, spending summers at the family cottage in the Adirondacks, and spending time with family and friends.

💬 Message to the Community:
We are always looking for new members. There are many different ways to serve at the fire station, and anyone age 16 or older can get involved. Whether you're interested in firefighting, administrative work, fundraising, membership activities, or helping behind the scenes, there is a place for you. I would also like to thank our community for the continued support you show Hillcrest Fire Company. Your support allows us to continue serving and protecting our community each and every day.

With nearly three decades of service to Hillcrest Fire Company and more than four decades in the fire service overall, April represents the dedication, experience, and commitment that help make our department what it is today. From serving alongside family to mentoring the next generation, her passion for helping others and giving back to the community continues to make a lasting impact. Members like April are a reminder that volunteer fire service is more than a commitment—it’s a lifelong calling. 🚒

🚒 Hillcrest Fire Company – Tuesday Member Spotlight 🚒

Right here in Hillcrest, we take pride in showing up for our neighbors, backing each other up, and answering the call—day or night.

Every Tuesday, we highlight one of the members who makes this department more than just a fire company—it’s a family.

Because around here, Hillcrest runs deep.

👇 This week’s spotlight 👇

👤 Name:
Nick Spaziano

⏳ Years of Service:
2 years

📍 Hometown:
Chenango Bridge, NY

🚒 Rank / Position:
Interior Firefighter / Corporate Treasurer

📡 Occupation (outside the fire service):
Telecommunications Project Manager

🔥 Why did you join the fire company?
I’ve always wanted to be involved in helping the community. Even though I don’t live directly in Hillcrest, I have family here and grew up around the community. Joining the fire company gave me an opportunity to give back to the family, friends, and community connections I’ve built over the years.

🤝 What’s your favorite part about being a firefighter?
My favorite part is being able to help people when they need it most. I also value the friendships and bonds that come from training together and responding to calls as a team. The interactions with the community during events and activities are another part of the job I truly enjoy.

🎓 What training or certifications are you most proud of?
Interior Firefighter Operations. This training required dedication, perseverance, and commitment, and it really highlighted the sacrifices firefighters make to help others and serve their communities.

🎣 Hobbies / Interests (What do you do when you're not running calls?)
Spending time with my family, coaching my kids’ sports teams, being a proud girl dad, and camping with family and friends.

💬 Message to the Community:
I would like to thank the Hillcrest community for the continued support shown to the entire fire company. That support means a great deal to all of us and helps keep our department strong and ready to serve when needed.

Although newer to the department, Nick has already shown a strong commitment to both the fire company and the Hillcrest community. Whether it’s through training, responding to calls, or supporting department operations as Treasurer, he takes pride in giving back and being part of something bigger than himself. Members like Nick help ensure the future of volunteer fire service remains strong in Hillcrest. 🚒

🚒 A day late, but for a good reason… training night ran a little long. That’s the volunteer fire service. 🚒

After another evening spent sharpening skills and putting in the work, here’s this week’s Tuesday Member Spotlight featuring Tim Colburn.

🚒 Hillcrest Fire Company – Tuesday Member Spotlight 🚒

Right here in Hillcrest, we take pride in showing up for our neighbors, backing each other up, and answering the call—day or night.

Every Tuesday, we highlight one of the members who makes this department more than just a fire company—it’s a family.

Because around here, Hillcrest runs deep.

👇 This week’s spotlight 👇

👤 Name:
Tim Colburn

⏳ Years of Service:
23 years

📍 Hometown:
Port Crane, New York

🚒 Rank / Position:
Exterior Firefighter

🧹 Occupation (outside the fire service):
Custodian

🔥 Why did you join the fire company?
I joined to serve my community. My father was a firefighter when I was growing up, and seeing his dedication inspired me to join Hillcrest Fire Company. Over the years, I’ve truly enjoyed serving alongside the members of this department and being part of the Hillcrest community.

🤝 What’s your favorite part about being a firefighter?
Training and special events. I enjoy coming together as a department, continuing to learn, and spending time with fellow members.

🎓 What training or certifications are you most proud of?
Emergency Vehicle Operator, Fire Police Course, and routine fire company training. Continuing to train and stay involved has always been an important part of the fire service.

🎣 Hobbies / Interests (What do you do when you're not running calls?)
Collecting history memorabilia, music, and following baseball, football, soccer, basketball, hockey, and lacrosse.

💬 Message to the Community:
Thank you to the Hillcrest community for the continued support you show our department year after year. It is truly an honor to serve this community and be part of something that makes a difference when people need help the most. Volunteer fire departments rely on people who are willing to step up and give their time to help others, and we are always looking for new members to join our team. If you have ever considered volunteering, we encourage you to take that first step and become part of something meaningful.

For more than two decades, Tim has been a dedicated part of Hillcrest Fire Company, consistently giving his time to serve the community and support the department. Members like Tim represent the heart of the volunteer fire service—showing up, staying involved, and continuing to serve year after year. His commitment and pride in the Hillcrest community help keep the tradition of volunteerism strong. 🚒

🚒 Hillcrest Fire Company – Tuesday Member Spotlight 🚒

Right here in Hillcrest, we take pride in showing up for our neighbors, backing each other up, and answering the call—day or night.

Every Tuesday, we’re highlighting one of the members who make this department more than just a fire company—it’s a family.

Because around here, Hillcrest runs deep.

👇 This week’s spotlight 👇

👤 Name:
Greg Starley

⏳ Years of Service:
2 years

📍 Hometown:
Binghamton, NY

🚒 Rank / Position:
Interior Firefighter, Fire Company Vice President

💧 Occupation (outside the fire service):
Hillcrest Water District Superintendent

🔥 Why did you join the fire company?
I joined to give back to the community that I’ve been proud to call home since 2007. Hillcrest may not be where I started, but it’s where I’ve built my life. Being able to step up, help protect it, and be there for neighbors when they need it most is something that means a lot to me. There’s a strong sense of pride that comes with putting on the gear and being part of something bigger than yourself.

🤝 What’s your favorite part about being a firefighter?
The friendships and camaraderie that come with the job. You build a bond with people that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there—training together, responding to calls together, and always having each other’s backs. On top of that, being able to help people on what could be one of the worst days of their lives is something that sticks with you and reminds you why you signed up.

🎓 What training or certifications are you most proud of?
FF1 (Interior Firefighter Operations). This training takes a significant amount of time, effort, and commitment, requiring hours of classroom instruction, hands-on skills, and live fire training. It’s not something you just show up for—you earn it. Completing it was a big step and a strong foundation for continuing to grow in the fire service.

🎣 Hobbies / Interests (What do you do when you’re not running calls?)
Spending time with my family, watching my two girls play sports, camping and exploring the Adirondacks, enjoying time at the ocean, volunteering with the Hillcrest Civic Association, and relaxing with friends.

💬 Message to the Community:
Hillcrest is a special place, and it stays that way because of the people who are willing to step up and give back. Volunteering takes time—time away from your family, your routine, and your personal life—but it’s what keeps a community like ours strong. Whether it’s the fire company, civic association, or anything else, getting involved truly makes a difference. If you’ve ever thought about it, now is the time to step up, be part of something meaningful, and help make your community a better place for everyone.

⸻

Greg’s dedication to both the fire company and the Hillcrest community reflects what being a volunteer firefighter is all about. Whether it’s serving through the fire service, helping improve the community through the Hillcrest Civic Association, or working every day to keep the Hillcrest Water District running, Greg takes pride in giving back to the place he calls home. Members willing to step up, serve others, and invest in their community are what help keep Hillcrest strong. 🚒

🚒 Hillcrest Fire Company Proudly Congratulates Our Members 🚒

Over the past several weeks, members of the Hillcrest Fire Company dedicated their time to completing the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) — an important hands-on training program focused on the safe operation of emergency apparatus under real-world conditions.

Today marked the final driving course, and we are proud to announce that Firefighters Starley, Kushner, and Koester all successfully completed the program and passed their final evaluations.

Also attending the course was Assistant Chief Larson, who participated as both a refresher and to show support for our members throughout the training process. Leadership matters, and having experienced officers standing beside newer members every step of the way says a lot about the culture of this department.

From cone courses and backing exercises to emergency response scenarios and apparatus handling, these members spent long days sharpening the skills that help keep both our firefighters and our community safe.

Training never stops in the fire service. Behind every emergency response is countless hours spent preparing, learning, and pushing to be better than yesterday.

Please join us in congratulating Firefighters Starley, Kushner, Koester, and Assistant Chief Larson on a job well done.

Hillcrest runs deep. 💚🚒

🚒 Hillcrest Fire Company – Tuesday Member Spotlight 🚒

Right here in Hillcrest, we take pride in showing up for our neighbors, backing each other up, and answering the call—day or night.

Every Tuesday, we’re highlighting one of the members who make this department more than just a fire company—it’s a family.

Because around here, Hillcrest runs deep.

👇 This week’s spotlight 👇

👤 Name:
Cassandra Martin

⏳ Years of Service:
10 years

📍 Hometown:
Chenango Forks, NY

🚒 Rank / Position:
President

🍎 Occupation (outside the fire service):
Teacher

🔥 Why did you join the fire company?
I joined because I’ve always enjoyed helping others, and being part of this company quickly felt like being part of an extended family. The relationships I’ve built here and the ability to make a difference in our community are what keep me coming back.

🤝 What’s your favorite part about being a firefighter?
My favorite part is seeing the positive impact we have on the community. Whether it’s during an emergency or through education and outreach, being able to help people—even during some of their most difficult moments—is incredibly rewarding.

🎓 What training or certifications are you most proud of?
CPR Training

🎣 Hobbies / Interests (What do you do when you're not running calls?)
Outside of the fire service, I enjoy spending time with my family, being involved in my kids’ activities, and working in education. In my free time, I also enjoy being outdoors, spending time with animals, and reading.

💬 Message to the Community:
I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive community and to have the opportunity to give back. Being there for our neighbors when it matters most is something I truly value.

With a decade of service and a strong commitment to both leadership and community, Cassandra plays a key role in keeping Hillcrest Fire Company moving forward. Her dedication to helping others—both in and out of the fire service—reflects exactly what Hillcrest is all about. 🚒

🚒 Hillcrest Fire Company – Tuesday Member Spotlight 🚒

Right here in Hillcrest, we take pride in showing up for our neighbors, backing each other up, and answering the call—day or night.

Every Tuesday, we’re highlighting one of the members who make this department more than just a fire company—it’s a family.

Because around here, Hillcrest runs deep.

👇 This week’s spotlight 👇

👤 Name:
Keely Rauscher

⏳ Years of Service:
18 years

📍 Hometown:
Binghamton, NY

🚒 Rank / Position:
Captain, Board Member: Secretary

🍽️ Occupation (outside the fire service):
Food Service Helper (School Lunch Program)

🔥 Why did you join the fire company?
I am a third-generation firefighter. My grandfather introduced our family to the fire service, and that tradition continued with my parents and now with me. I wanted to experience the pride and fulfillment that comes from serving my community.

🤝 What’s your favorite part about being a firefighter?
Being able to help and give back to my community when they are in need, along with the strong bonds I have built with fellow firefighters who stand beside me when the tones drop. I also value the relationships I developed during my time serving with another department while attending college.

🎓 What training or certifications are you most proud of?
FF1 (Interior Firefighter Operations) and Smoke Divers.

🎣 Hobbies / Interests (What do you do when you're not running calls?)
Camping, golfing, scrapbooking, attending Rumble Ponies games, and relaxing by the fire pit during summer evenings.

💬 Message to the Community:
Thank you for the continued support we receive every day. Without it, we would not have the equipment necessary to effectively protect our community. Please consider becoming a volunteer—volunteer fire service provides an essential level of protection that many small communities cannot otherwise afford. Your involvement truly makes a difference.

With nearly two decades of service and a deep-rooted family tradition in the fire service, Keely represents the dedication, leadership, and community pride that define Hillcrest Fire Company.

🚒 Hillcrest Fire Company – Tuesday Member Spotlight 🚒

Right here in Hillcrest, we take pride in showing up for our neighbors, backing each other up, and answering the call—day or night.

Every Tuesday, we’re highlighting one of the members who make this department more than just a fire company—it’s a family.

Because around here, Hillcrest runs deep.

👇 This week’s spotlight 👇

👤 Name:
Rick Larson

⏳ Years of Service:
27 years with Hillcrest Fire Company (since 1999)

📍 Hometown:
Ralston, Nebraska

🚒 Rank / Position:
Assistant Fire Chief

🚛 Occupation (outside the fire service):
Commercial Truck Driver

🔥 Why did you join the fire company?
As a third-generation firefighter, the fire service has always been in my blood. I grew up seeing the direct impact a dedicated first responder has on the community, and it instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to serve, a deep respect for the role, and a desire to carry that legacy forward.

🤝 What’s your favorite part about being a firefighter?
The sense of brotherhood and the trust that comes with the job. After years in the fire service, you learn how important it is to rely on one another and work together when it matters most. Being a third-generation firefighter, and now watching my son rise through the ranks to Chief, is something I take a great deal of pride in.

🎓 What training or certifications are you most proud of?
Every training I take in the future will be the one I’m most proud of as it evolves with the fire service. The next training builds on the last and shapes how you approach the job. The fire service is ever evolving, and the training needs to do the same. After years in the fire service, you learn that staying prepared and continuing to train is essential.

🎣 Hobbies / Interests (What do you do when you're not running calls?)
Outside of the firehouse, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time with my family.

💬 Message to the Community:
It’s an honor to serve the Hillcrest community. On what can be a resident’s worst day, we are there to help when it matters most and do what needs to be done. As volunteer firefighters, we don’t always have the time, but we still do what we have to for our community. We truly appreciate the continued support. If you’ve ever thought about joining, now is the time—this is a chance to be part of something meaningful, serve your community, and make a real difference when it matters most.

👨‍🚒 Showing Up—No Matter What 👨‍🚒

Yesterday didn’t go the way we hoped.

We opened our doors for our Open House, ready to meet new faces and hopefully welcome the next generation into Hillcrest Fire Company… but no one walked through.

But here’s what did happen—
our members showed up.

For 8 straight hours, this 100% volunteer crew put in the work:
🧼 Cleaning the station
🚒 Servicing and detailing our equipment
🛠️ Taking care of the building and grounds
💪 Putting pride back into the place we call home

Not paid. Not asked twice. Not for recognition.
Just people who care enough to show up anyway.

These are the same volunteers who miss dinners… leave family events… wake up in the middle of the night… and respond when your worst day becomes reality.

And today? Their families showed up too.
They gave up their Saturday—not to be served, but to serve right alongside them.

We are grateful for every single member we have and the commitment they bring to this company and this community.

Because this isn’t about me.
It’s about we.
And we are here for they.

One day, someone will call 911…
And on the other end, they’re not getting a paycheck—
They’re getting a volunteer who chose to answer.

But here’s the reality…
If people don’t step up, one day there may be no one left to answer.

We’ll keep showing up.
The question is—who’s next?